Introduction to Studio Lighting

This workshops will cover basic studio lighting techniques and terminology so you will have a basic understanding of how to use studio lighting. The evening will be broken into two areas; theory and a practical session.

We will cover:

The basic properties of light:

Colour, hard and soft lighting

High and low key lighting

Use of different types of light modifiers (soft-boxes, snoots, reflectors, barn doors.)

We will look at the camera in relation to studio lighting, specifically:

Shutter Sync Speed

Aperture

ISO

White Balance

For the practice session we will look at a basic one light set up, then a more advanced two light set up and we'll work on high and low-key lighting with our model.

The workshops are approximately 3 hours in duration and will include theory as well as practical shooting.

Our Kit:

We will be using 2 Bowen Monolights as well as light modifiers to experiment with. We have all of the equipment you will need so don't worry about flash triggers, just bring your camera.

What you will need:

An SLR or similar camera with standard hot-shoe. We can only provide a Sony adapter) if you have another type you'll need to provide your own adapter.

A suitable lens

We're shooting in a relatively small space, so while any standard lens will work; a 35mm, 17-55 or a 24-70mm lens will probably be best.

A clean memory card

The model will be expecting to take away a copy of your images at the end of the session. You will need to shoot Jpeg or Raw with Jpeg. Please come with clean memory cards so we can download the images quickly.

It will be helpful if you have a basic understanding of how your camera works. You need to be able to:

Change the ISO

Change the white balance

Change the shutter speed

Change the aperture

Have a look in your manual if you're unsure, and bring it with you if necessary.

There has been a problem with the elevator, so take the stairs right next to the elevator just past the Pan Man. Ask staff if necessary.

Check the refund policy and if you need to cancel your place, change your rsvp on the website so it can be filled by another member.

Hi Greg, I do understand what you mean about the ambient light from the windows, and you aren't of course the first person to mention it.... BUT, looking at, say, the third image that you posted here - one which was taken fairly early in the session, long before the sun had set - the background is in fact an impressive inky black. The reason for this, as I mentioned during the session, is that the studio lights easily overpower the stray ambient light coming through the windows, even on a midsummers evening. This is an effect sometimes referred to (Glyn Dewis and others) as a virtual darkroom. Point made though, in the future I'll get everyone to take a picture with the monoblocks turned off, to prove the point. Hopefully you both enjoyed and learned from the evening.

Hi Alex further to your reply I didn't see any way around the fact of the lighting, it was just a comment as I didn't notice any blinds or curtains to make a difference. It didn't detract from a very good evening, and what I said was merely an observation, not an attack as I would happily attend further evenings at the venue.

Hi Lourdes, the hotshoe on the 400d is fine, and your 50mm lens will do fine. The only practical advantage here in a zoom lens is that you can zoom from a head-and-shoulders shot to a full length portrait without having to move.

Join us if you love photography and want to expand your creative and technical knowledge. We love going on adventures photographing the urban environment and landscape in and around London and the surrounding areas. We have been known to hit the road and travel in any direction that has photographic potential.

In addition to our walkabout events, we hold workshops on studio and off camera flash lighting, night photography, painting with light, camera settings, Lightroom, Photoshop and more. We also have a social event once a month where we meet to have a pint and chat about all things photographic.

We're a non profit group who's aim is to run low cost sessions so our members have a chance to improve their photographic skills and techniques and explore their creative potential. So whether you're just starting out, looking to learn something new or are an experienced pro, come hang out with us and share your passion. We are a group of photographers with varying degree's of ability and equipment, but equally happy to share our knowledge and experience.

Whether you're in to digital or film photography, have a pro dslr or a mobile phone camera, whether you're looking to advance your photographic skill set or would simply like to hang out with a friendly bunch of people who can introduce you to the real London, we look forward to seeing you soon.